Gov. Christie Stands By Controversial Supreme Court Nominee

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is standing by his nomination of an openly gay, black Republican to the state Supreme Court.

Democrats who will consider the nomination of Bruce Harris on Thursday have publicly questioned the bond lawyer’s qualifications.

Christie says Harris, the 61-year-old mayor of Chatham, deserves the chance to make his case for confirmation. The governor says he’s unlikely to pull the nominee even if he appears destined for defeat.

Another Christie court pick, First Assistant Attorney General Phillip Kwon, was voted down two months ago over concerns about the finances of a family owned liquor store. He would have been the court’s first Asian-born member.